Salivary Glands

Salivary Glands Definition

A salivary gland is a tissue in our mouths that expels saliva. Anytime our mouth comes near a hot sandwich we feel them activate. As exocrine glands, they expel saliva onto the epithelial surface of our mouths by way of ducts. Each day, our glands produce as much as a quart of saliva.

Saliva is a mixture of water, mucus, antibacterial substances, and digestive enzymes. One of the most recognizable digestive enzymes in human saliva is amylase. This enzyme is able to break down the starch in our food to simpler and more easily digestible sugars like glucose and maltose. Whenever we chew, we are activating salivary glands in preparation for the breakdown of our meal.

Salivary Glands Function

Briefly, saliva itself serves many uses. As the only secretion of our salivary glands, it is helpful in creating the food bolus, or the finely packed ball of food that we roll inside our mouths. This shape facilitates its safe passage through our alimentary canal. Saliva has lubricating properties that are protective, as well. Saliva protects the inside of our mouths, our teeth, and our throats as we begin to swallow the bolus. It also cleanses the mouth after a meal and dissolves food into chemicals that we perceive as taste.

Salivary Gland Location

Salivary glands come in three types: the parotid, sublingual, and submandibular glands. Each is aptly named after the area in the oral cavity in which it is located. Let’s begin this discussion with the parotid gland.

Parotid Glands

The two parotid glands are located within each of our cheeks. Parotid glands are the largest type of salivary gland. They account for up to twenty percent of the saliva in our oral cavity. Their main role lies in facilitating mastication, or “chewing,” and in commencing the first digestive phase of our food. The parotid gland is notably labeled a serous type of gland. Serous glands are those that secrete protein-rich fluid, which in this case is an enzyme-rich suspension of alpha-amylase.

Submandibular Gland

Next, the submandibular gland is located close to our mandible. This is the movable part of our jaw. In essence, this gland lies on the floor of our mouths. Since it is superficially located, we can feel it if we place our fingers about two inches above the Adam’s apple. It is the second-largest salivary gland and produces the most saliva (up to 65%). It is considered a mixture of serous and mucus glands since the suspension is both rich in enzymes and gooey mucus that is released into the oral cavity through the submandibular ducts.

Sublingual Glands

Lastly, sublingual glands are located under the tongue. They are the smallest and most dispersed salivary gland. They secrete mostly mucus, which exits directly through the Rivinus ducts. Only a minimal (~5%) amount of saliva in the oral cavity comes from these salivary glands.

Salivary Glands Innervation

Salivary glands are innervated by both branches of the autonomic, or “involuntary,” nervous system. This is commonly associated with the fight or flight response, as well as the feeding and resting responses. When we see a bear, for instance, we trigger our sympathetic response. This threat triggers the release of norepinephrine, a rise in our heart rate, dilation in our eyes, and notably, slowed digestion and a dry mouth.

This means that whereas sympathetic stimulation normally overstimulates its target, it inhibits the salivary gland. So, we produce less saliva. In contrast, parasympathetic stimulation of the salivary gland renders a heavy flow of saliva. The parasympathetic branch of the somatic nervous system is responsible for responses such as eating, growing, and reproducing. <h2title=”Infection”>Salivary Glands Infection

There are symptoms that may signal a compromised salivary gland. This includes gland swelling, fever, a foul taste in the mouth, and dry mouth. Measures can be taken to lessen the effects of dry mouth (listed below).

The figure lists the ways in which the symptoms of dry mouth can be lessened.

Swollen glands are often caused by “salivary stones,” or buildup of crystallized saliva, that can clog the gland from releasing saliva. This causes pain, and unless the blockage is cleared it can infect the gland. Salivary glands can also be painfully blocked by bacterial infection.

Staphylococcus aureus is the most common bacterium that infects it. If left untreated, the bacterium will cause fever, severe pain, and an abscess or pus. Several other bacteria commonly infect the salivary glands. Viruses can also infect the glands. A tumor can likewise block salivary gland tissue. Most tumors are benign, but salivary gland cancer is a rare type of cancer that develops in 1 of 100,000 people each year.

Quiz

1. Which enzyme is the primary digestive enzyme in human saliva?

A. Lipase

B. Amylase

C. Pancreatin

D. None of the above

2. Which salivary gland type is the largest contributor to the saliva in our oral cavity?

A. Mucosal

B. Parotid

C. Sublingual

D. Submandibular

3. Identify the type of innervation that stimulates saliva flow:

A. Autonomic

B. Parasympathetic

C. Somatic

D. Sympathetic

4. Which of the following might signal that the salivary glands are not functioning properly?

A. Dry mouth

B. Excessive saliva production

C. Pain or swelling in the salivary glands

D. All of the Above

5. When you bite into a crisp, sweet apple you can feel something within your cheek reacting strongly. What is this sensation?